Many bullied teens silently struggle as they are inflicted with physical, mental, and emotional abuse by their peers. Each day, approximately 160,000 kids skip school because they are afraid of bullies. [1] Teen suicides primarily occur because of the mental and emotional devastation adolescents feel when they are being bullied.
Often, teens feel hopeless as they sink deeper and deeper into depression. Unfortunately, the signs a teen is being bullied are not always unequivocal. Some of the signs may even be shocking for many parents.
Surprising signs of bullying:
- Has upset stomachs, headaches, or other illnesses on a frequent basis
- Comes home from school starving•Comes home from school and urgently needs to use the bathroom
- Frequently misplaces belongings•Suddenly begins bullying siblings or other children
- Tries to avoid riding the bus
Many parents look for a black eye or broken glasses to tell them their teen is being bullied, but all too often, the signs are simply not that transparent. [2] Frequently, teens feel embarrassed and try to hide that they are being bullied. Keeping the pain of this all to themselves is often more than they can handle which can lead to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and addiction. Even parents who feel they are fully in tune with their child are often surprised to learn just how much their troubled teen is suffering.
Bullying Warning Signs
Regrettably, many teens do not receive the intervention they need and end up becoming victims of what is often referred to as “bullycide”. According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people. For every successful suicide attempt, there are 100 unsuccessful attempts. Parents must pay careful attention to any changes in behavior or routine their teen may be exhibiting, no matter how minor they may seem.
Parents who learn their teen is being bullied must be vigilant in making sure their child receives help. Those who are bullied often begin spiraling out of control. Many victims end up participating in unhealthy and even risky behaviors simply because they so badly want to fit in and be accepted by their peers. This can be heart-wrenching for any parent to witness.
Turning Winds Academic Institute is a therapeutic boarding school that helps teens who are suffering from the mental, emotional, and behavioral issues bullying can often cause. They work to help teens overcome the emotional scars that have held them hostage so they can learn to love themselves and make positive choices that will benefit their lives instead of destroying them.
The staff at Turning Winds works with teens from all backgrounds, helping them with emotional, behavioral, and mental issues. Through the supportive staff, teens learn to respect themselves so they will stop placing their lives in danger with their substance abuse and risky behaviors. With a staff ratio of 5:1, teens receive the consummate care they need so they can overcome their struggles and find true happiness and success.Parents who fear for their troubled teens do not have to feel hopeless.
Turning Winds has helped hundreds of teens not only overcome their pain, but begin living life again. Through the stellar academic program at Turning Winds, teens can continue their education and reverse their low academic performance. At Turning Winds, teens receive life-changing care that allows them to fully turn their lives around and experience ongoing success.
[2] 9 Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied and What to Do About It